Syntegra USA's James Ousley to Retire.

Business Editors

ARDEN HILLS, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 15, 2000

Ousley Will Continue to Support Syntegra (USA) as Chairman

Syntegra, the global consulting and systems integration arm of British Telecommunications plc (NYSE:BTY), today announced that James Ousley is stepping down as the president and chief executive officer of its operations in the United States and in Asia.

Ousley will continue to support Syntegra in a non-executive capacity taking on a new role as Chairman of Syntegra (USA) Inc., specifically with regard to acquisitions and global partnerships.

Syntegra's CEO Bill Halbert said: "The acquisition of Control Data Systems was a key milestone in the evolution of Syntegra. It was a superb fit for Syntegra, combining a deep knowledge of the application of technology with a thorough understanding of our focus markets. Jim Ousley's contribution to our business since acquisition has been of immense value and I am delighted that we will still have the benefit of Jim's experience in his new role."

Ousley was president and chief executive officer of Control Data Systems when Syntegra acquired the company last year. He began his professional career in 1968, when he joined Control Data Corporation as a sales representative. Over the years, Ousley held a number of sales, marketing and operational executive positions for Control Data Corporation, and became the youngest vice president in the company's history. In 1989, he became president of Control Data's Computer Products Group and successfully managed the organization's transition from a proprietary computer company to a systems integration and Internet services company. He was instrumental in the creation of Control Data Systems, which was spun off as a separate public company from Control Data Corporation in 1992.

"Jim is one of the most creative and resilient executives that I have had the privilege of working with," said Lawrence Perlman, retired chairman and chief executive officer of Ceridian Corporation. "He has a deep understanding of technology issues and strong leadership skills, which enabled him to make Control Data Systems a successful business after it was spun off from Control Data Corporation. I know he will continue to contribute to Syntegra."

Ousley was named High Tech Executive of the Year in 1998 by the Minnesota High Tech Association, in part for his efforts to address the shortage of critical high tech talent in Minnesota. He serves on the board of directors of several technology companies: ActivCard, Bell Microproducts, DataLink, Lightning Rod Software and Vytek Wireless.

Ousley stated about the acquisition of Control Data, "Over the last year we have successfully merged into the Syntegra family, and we are now well positioned for expanded growth and prosperity. I am very pleased to have had the good fortune to find a company whose people share the same vision as ourselves."

Ousley said of his career, "Being part of the history and transformation of Control Data Corporation has been an unbelievable experience. The legacy, tradition and experiences that Control Data created and transferred into numerous companies, people and markets is a true success story for one of Minnesota's most famous technology companies. I'm very happy and proud to have been a part of it."

About Syntegra

Syntegra is the global eBusiness consulting and integration arm of British Telecommunications plc, which is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world. We create winners in the digital economy by helping organizations seize business opportunities through the creative application of new technology. Syntegra has revenues over $1 billion, customers in more than 50 countries, and customer centers in the United States, the UK, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Syntegra in the United States specializes in the design, development and support of Internet, infrastructure and systems integration solutions. Each day, our solutions tie tens of millions of people in business and government together in ways that make them more productive and better informed. Syntegra is also well established in the financial trading systems market, and many of the world's largest banks and financial institutions rely on our products and services. Learn more about what we can do for your organization by visiting www.syntegra.com.